Locals call on council to sort out rubbish problem

LOCALresidents and business owners are in uproar over the growing problem of rubbish in Castle Street.

Nearby business owners and residents say there has been a problem with the rubbish on Castle Street for over a year, but Mendip District Council has turned a blind eye to the issue.

Robbie Lymer who runs Oakville Care Centre in Badcox said, “I have spoken to the council and Somerset Waste Partnership countless times but never get a straight answer.

“It has always been a problem, but lately it seems to be much worse. The sheer volume of rubbish and what people are leaving there is getting out of hand. I saw a rat run past the other day; it’s disgusting.

“Also it blocks the pavement, so using the path is impossible. The elderly and those with pushchairs have to walk into the road which is dangerous. When people leave their rubbish, they have no consideration for anyone.”

Somerset Waste Partnership, who manage recycling and waste services on behalf of the district council said, “A vehicle breakdown occurred earlier this week when parts of Frome were due to have a rubbish collection; this refuse should now have been cleared.

“Because the collection route has some narrow access unsuitable for a standard large rubbish truck, it took longer than expected to secure a replacement vehicle.

“Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) apologises to those residents affected by these missed collections.

“Householders in Frome are reminded:

• If they have rubbish bins, all waste should be contained within the bin with the lid closed, and no side waste should be added on top or beside the bin.

• If they have kerbside food waste bins, they should never add any food waste to their rubbish.

• To take care not to obstruct pavements or roads with waste containers.

• Frome recycling site is open seven days a week 8am to 4pm for dozens of materials and un-recyclable rubbish.

SWP urges all residents to stay alert for criminals taking advantage of missed or delayed collections to illegally fly-tip materials, and for anyone with information about fly-tipping to immediately inform the district council’s customer services.”

For all service issues, including missed collections, contact Mendip District Council customer services on customerservices@mendip.gov.uk or 0300 303 8588. For more information on collections, visit: www.somersetwaste.gov.uk